For over four decades, Jeff Nalley has been a steadfast voice for rural America. As the farm director at Cromwell Ag Radio Network and a contributing editor for Agri-Pulse, Nalley has spent 43 years serving farmers, ag businesses and rural communities across Kentucky and beyond.
Now, that dedication has been recognized with his induction into the Kentucky Broadcasters Hall of Fame—an honor he says reflects more than just one individual’s work.
“I didn’t do anything special to earn the award. I just did my job,” Nalley says. “But being honored by your peers, especially as a rural broadcaster, means a lot. It’s not just a recognition of me, it’s a nod to farm broadcasting and the service we provide.”
Nalley’s path into radio was unconventional. He grew up on a farm and served as a state FFA officer in high school. During National FFA Week, he organized a promotion with a local radio station, and they ended up offering him a job. He’s been behind the mic ever since.
“There’s no college degree in my story,” he says with a chuckle. “Just a love for ag, a mic, and the drive to serve.”
Nalley spent 22 years with his first broadcasting company before joining Cromwell Radio Group in 2003. At the time, he was also serving as president-elect of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB). He helped launch the Cromwell Ag Network, where he’s continued his mission to amplify the voices of farmers and rural communities.
Though humble about the Hall of Fame recognition, Nalley says it’s proof that small-market broadcasters can make a big impact.
“I’m not one of the morning voices in Lexington or Louisville. I serve rural stations, and this honor says that work matters,” he says. “Farm broadcasters serve our producers, but we also speak to the public on their behalf. We help connect consumers to the people who grow their food.”
Looking ahead, Nalley encourages the next generation of broadcasters to focus on one thing: service. “Know your audience. Build a relationship with them. And then serve them,” he says.
Despite the rise of digital media, Nalley believes radio still holds power, especially when paired with online tools.
“We already have the audience. Now we can expand the story with digital tools—videos, podcasts, deeper reporting. But it all starts with trust and consistency. That’s what farm broadcasting is built on,” Nalley says.
